Jose Alba, a Harlem bodega worker where Donald Trump visited on Tuesday was out of town at the time of the former President's visit, the New York Daily News reported.
According to his lawyer, Richard Cardinale, Alba was in the Dominican Republic when Trump spoke with reporters outside the Sanaa Convenient Store.
"Jose wanted to come but couldn't get a flight on time," Cardinale said.
In 2022, Alba, 64, was working as a clerk at the Blue Moon Convenience Store on Broadway when he was assaulted by Austin Simon, 35.
While defending himself, Alba stabbed Simon to death and was charged with second degree murder, even spending time in notorious Rikers Island for several days. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg subsequently dropped the case.
Cardinale noted that his client is not a Trump supporter saying, "He's not a political person. He's nonpartisan, he's just someone who believes in law and order."
"He's afraid to work in any bodegas in the neighborhood," Cardinal added.
Francisco Marte, founder of the Bodega and Small Business Association said he was in touch with Alba about a potential Trump visit but couldn't connect with him due to his remote location. "I told [Alba] it would be good because it's what we are doing, fighting and asking for public safety," Marte added.
Alba was injured during the attack and Marte says that his frequent visits to his homeland in the Dominican Republic have "helped him escape." Marte added "He's doing better, but sometimes he's having flashbacks or when he sees the scars that he has on his arm, it brings back memories."
Trump, who is staying in New York City while he attends his Manhattan trial, has made the most of his time in the Big Apple, meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda on Wednesday evening and maximizing his television exposure around town.
James Morley III ✉
James Morley III is a writer with more than two decades of experience in entertainment, travel, technology, and science and nature.
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